Definition
Regulation F (12 CFR Part 1006) is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's rule interpreting the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Effective November 30, 2021, it established a presumption that more than seven call attempts in seven days, or a call within seven days of a conversation, is harassment; set requirements for emails and text messages including opt-out instructions; created a model validation notice with itemization; and addressed time-barred debt and credit reporting.
Reg F also clarified limited-content messages, which collectors may leave as voicemails without disclosing the debt, and restricted contacting consumers through workplace email or public social media posts.
Example
Under Reg F, a collector who has spoken with a consumer on Monday may not call again until the following Monday, and must include a clear opt-out method in every email and text. The validation notice must itemize the balance from a specified itemization date.
How HL Hunt handles it
HL Hunt tracks call attempts and conversations per debt per rolling seven-day window and blocks anything over the limit; adds opt-out language and honors it automatically; generates Reg F model validation notices with itemization; and screens time-barred debt by state before contact.